Bettys Bambino Draws Well in Downhill Daytona

California-bred Bettys Bambino, 3-for-4 on the downhill turf course at Santa Anita Park, makes his stakes debut Dec. 28 in the $100,000 Daytona (gr. IIIT).

The Daytona, for 3-year-olds and up at 6 1/2 furlongs on the downhill turf course, attracted a field of 11. It's the eighth race on a nine-race Sunday program.

Bettys Bambino, owned by Sharon Alesia, Bran Jam Stable, and Ciaglia Racing, was last seen during the fall meet at Santa Anita. The 4-year-old Unusual Heat gelding cleared two open allowance conditions, both with easy, open-lengths victories on the downhill turf course by a combined margin of 9 1/2 lengths.

In March at Santa Anita, Bettys Bambino won an entry-level allowance test for California-breds at 6 1/2 furlongs on the grass. Martin Garcia, aboard for the last two victories, gets a return call at 119 pounds for trainer Peter Eurton from post 9, which could prove an advantageous starting spot. Bettys Bambino is 3-1 on the morning line.

Hronis Racing's Sweet Swap, a two-time stakes winner on the downhill course including the grade III San Simeon, is the 5-2 morning line favorite given his past experience. The 5-year-old Candy Ride   horse finished a close, closing fifth in the Breeders' Cup Turf Sprint (gr. IT) at Santa Anita at the distance for trainer John Sadler.

Sweet Swap, to be ridden by Corey Nakatani at 121 pounds, drew the rail for the Daytona but does his best running from just off the pace, so it's doubtful he'd be forced into an early pace war.